Changing jobs can lead to better work, more pay and improved circumstances. But before you get a new job you have to get though the interview process. While an interview is a chance for you and a potential employer to get to know each other, it can cause a lot of anxiety when you contemplate the awful questions an interviewer might ask. Spend some time getting ready for those questions in advance and they might not seem so tough after all.

Prepare

Prepare answers to some of the more common types of job interview questions, such as “Would you report a dishonest co-worker to your manager?” Do this for any questions that worry you. You can find lists of possible questions on career-oriented websites. It might help to organize the information by category so you can keep it all straight in your mind. Review the questions and answers well in advance of your interview. Try to phrase your answers so they sound as natural as possible.

Practice

Get a friend to play the part of the interviewer so you can practice answering interview questions. This type of role playing can help you see where your interviewing strengths and weaknesses are. Watch for overly long pauses at the start of or during your answers, and avoid using fillers such as “ummmm” or “like.” When you get a difficult question along the lines of “How would you handle it if you were asked to do something you know is unethical, but is not illegal?” you’ll be able to answer confidently and without sounding like you memorized your answer.

Honesty

Focus on how best to answer any questions that zero in on problem areas. For example, an interviewer is likely to ask what happened if you were fired from a previous job. Always answer these questions honestly. You can’t count on a potential employer not knowing about your past. Even if he doesn’t know about your past work issues at the time of the interview, he might find out about them during a background check. If you’ve lied or been evasive about your work history, you’re not likely to be hired. If you’ve admitted problems but have provided a reasonable explanation, your chances of getting a new job are much better.

Focus

Focus on answering tough job interview questions in ways that highlight your best points and minimize your weaknesses. Think about why the interviewer might be asking certain questions, such as “What brings you joy?” This type of question can provide insight into your character. Answer sincerely and specifically. Most interviewers won’t appreciate a flip or vague answer. Don’t sit silent when you’re asked a question, but don’t ramble on and on, either. Show that you can get right to the point and can focus in on the answer.